Irvin, Edwards back with a spring in step

Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (undisclosed injury) and defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. (hamstring) made their training-camp debuts Thursday, and Edwards said they were both “talking trash’ as they ran out for practice.

Edwards, who endured injury problems his first two years, said it’s important to start stringing practices together now in Napa.

“It’s big,” he said after practice. “Staying healthy is pretty big for me, but I am back, so I am ready to play.”

Edwards said he didn’t get frustrated at missing the first four practices, because he stays “even Steven.” Same goes for whether he likes the plan to play more inside at tackle than outside at end this season.

“I’m a defensive lineman,” he said. “I don’t pinpoint myself at one particular position. I feel like you can put me wherever you want me to play, and I can make it happen.”

The defense was apparently fired up by Edwards’ and Irvin’s return, turning in its best day yet and picking off two Derek Carr passes (David Amerson and Dexter McDonald). “Yeah, it’s good to see,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “We’ve got an offense that’s probably ahead in terms of cohesiveness and healthy players out there. But I think our defense is going to be pretty good this year. I think you’re seeing some of those signs.” Briefly: Receiver Amari Cooper came back after missing a practice and went back to dominating the Raiders’ cornerbacks. … Speaking of corners, first-round pick Gareon Conley remains out with shin splints. … Rookie defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes has made a good impression on Edwards. “He’s a hell of a player,” Edwards said. “He’s really strong, has good hands. He is going to make some noise this year.” … The Raiders signed former Jets defensive end IK Enemkpali, known mainly for punching quarterback Geno Smith over $600, and linebacker Rufus Johnson, who played one game for the Patriots in 2015.